Unit 9: From The Bottom Of My Heart (-아/어/여 마지않다)

This is a beautiful, highly literary expression in Easy Korean. When you want to say you do something "endlessly," "sincerely," or "from the bottom of your heart," you use -아/어/여 마지않다.

Structure

Verb Stem + -아/어/여 마지않다 (Usually used with verbs expressing wishes, love, praise, or congratulations)

• 축하하다 -> 축하해 마지않습니다 (I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart)
• 바라다 (to wish) -> 바라 마지않습니다 (I sincerely wish...)
• 기대하다 (to expect/look forward) -> 기대해 마지않습니다

Usage

You will almost never hear this in casual conversation between friends. You will see it in written letters, wedding speeches, or official statements.

Examples

• 두 분의 결혼을 축하해 마지않습니다. (I congratulate you two on your marriage from the bottom of my heart.)
• 여러분의 성공을 바라 마지않습니다. (I sincerely wish for everyone's success.)
• 그 선수의 노력에 찬사를 보내 마지않습니다. (I unceasingly send praise to that athlete's effort.)